Rain and rainstorm warnings have caused havoc for Hong Kong students over the past week, with parents having to venture out in the worst of the weather to collect their children after many schools closed at the hoisting of red warnings on Monday and last Friday.

The Education Department has since advised schools not to send children home if red or black warnings are hoisted after the school day has begun or if children are on their way to school.

The clarification came after chaos last Friday following an announcement at 8.40am that schools were closed. Many children were sent home on arrival.

On Monday the department said all morning and whole-day schools should ensure their premises remained open until conditions were safe before allowing students to go home. 'The safety of children should be of utmost importance,' a spokesman said.